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Volleyball25/08/2015

Russia win clash of Titans at Men's U23 World Championship

Russia's Pavel Pankov celebrates after a point against Brazil in the clash of Titans at Men's U23

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 25, 2015 – Five teams remained unbeaten at the 2015 Men's U23 World Championship as Cuba, Iran, Italy from Pool A, Turkey and Russia in Pool B went through to the second victory on Second day held at Al Nasr and Al Ahly Halls in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Tuesday.

Pool A featured outstanding victory for Iran over Korea 3-1 (22-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-22) in day 2 best thriller, while Cuba outclassed Egypt 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-17). Italy went also to second win after they cruised past the hosts UAE 3-0 (25-20, 25-13, 25-12). Cuba led the pool as the only team in the competition who didn't drop a set so far.

Pool B saw Russia playing their best to beat Brazil in the meeting of Titans, while Argentina secured the first victory Over Tunisia. Turkey kept their clean sheet to beat Tunisia 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-14). Argentina won their first match at against Mexico by 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-14). Turkey led the pool with the set ratio ahead of Russia.

In Pool A, Cuba notched a straight sets victory (25-20, 25-19, 25-17) over Egypt at "Al Nasr" hall. Mestre Uriarte (15 points), Abrahan Alfonso (13), and Rodriguez Osoria (10) were the driving force for the Cubans in the triumph. Egypt's Ahmed Saad had 9 points in the loss as the best scorer from his side.

Cuba improved their win- loss ratio to 2-0, while Egypt dropped to 0-2

Leading the Iran in scoring was opposite Javad Hosseinabadi with impressive 24 points, including two hard-fought blocks and two aces. He was supported by Pourya Damnabi with 14. For Korea, Jung Jiseok had 16 points in a losing effort.

The taller Iran players dominated the net through the better blocking as they had 15/4 kill blocks lead beside other skills. Iran improved their record to 2-0, while Korea dropped to 0-2.

Gabriele Nelli was the driving force for the Italians, powering spikes around the court and unleashing some wicked serves. He had a match-high 11 points and was the most impressive player in the win. As usual Khamis Alsuwaidi played a strong supporting role for UAE, chipping in with 13 points.

In Pool B, Russia again proved their consistency as the frequent factory of age categories, as they maintained momentum with Brazil win 3-1 (26-24, 17-25, 25-16, 25-21) in the day's best show. Russia gained their second victory in a row, while Brazil is 1-1 after two games.

Alexander Kimerov, who succeed 19 of his 36 spike attempts, scored 20 points for Russia and Egor Kliuka helped him with 19 points. Brazil’s best scorer was Alan Souza with 19 points.

Turkey kept their rhythm to take on Tunisia 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-14) in Pool B action at Al Ahly Hall. Turkey improved their record to 2-0, while the Africans dropped to 0-2.

Turkey’s Metin Toy produced 22 points for the winning team. Tunisia’s best scorer was Messelmeni Karim with 13

Argentina won their first match against Mexico by 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-14). Pablo Koukartsev, Gonzalo Quiroga and Nicolas Lazo scored 14, 14 and 8 points for the winning team, respectively. Mexico’s best scorer was Julian Duarte with 10 points.